Page 34 of Any Second Now
“Um—what?” I practically spit out the sip of wine I just took.
But Atticus is quiet, and when I look over at him, his eyes are wide as he chugs his own wine.
“Hear me out.” Lachlan lifts both hands in the air. “Give my friend—your friend—some pointers. Go on a few test dates so we can make sure he doesn’t totally fuck things up with this Rose person once he actually gets her out on a date.”
“Raleigh, just ignore him.” Atticus finds his voice and sounds oddly calm. “It’s a stupid idea. Don’t even look at him.” His protests aren’t nearly as strong as I’d think they’d be.
It’s almost as if he doesn’t hate the concept.
I do look at Lachlan. A hysterical laugh forms in my throat, but I beat it down.
“I mean, it might be good inspiration for new cross-stitch quotes,” I say casually. “I’m trying to make enough money that I don’t have to spend my savings on gas and food and campsite fees.”
I really have no problem with money. Even with sending funds to my ex every month, I have plenty in the bank. Doing cross-stitch is not about money. It’s about exploring a new hobby and trying to break even. Like a little game I’m playing with myself and my spreadsheet.
“Oh, come on.” Again, Atticus’s protest is weak. I’d think he’d be glaring at Lachlan and cutting off the conversation completely.
It is a stupid idea on so many levels.
That I am any kind of dating expert.
That I want to help Atticus Knox ask someone else out.
That Atticus needs any help at all.
That I need inspiration for new cross-stitch patterns so I can pay for my campsite fees.
“It doesn’t have to be a big deal,” I say, apparently on board. “I’ll be in town anyway. I’ll probably be here until Lucy gets back from her trip.” Wait—did I decide that for sure? Yeah, I might’ve. “We could go over some dos and don’ts of dating.”
“This is actually perfect,” Lachlan says. “Atticus needs to learn how to date someone so he has something to do all summer besides whine about how much his groin hurts and how sad he is that Barrett Steele now plays for the Blizzard. And Raleigh, you need some inspiration, and unless I’m mistaken, you don’t have much to do this summer either.”
“I mean, you’re not wrong,” I say.
“Raleigh?” Atticus leans forward and touches my arm. “You don’t have to be my dating coach.”
I glance down at where his hand is on my arm. I like it there. He slides it off slowly, and I like that feeling, too.
“Dating coach. Mate, that’s perfect.” Lachlan points at Atticus and then at me with a cackle.
“Seriously, Lach?” But Atticus looks at me questioningly.
“I’d be happy to help you ask out Daisy.” My voice is unnaturally squeaky.
“Rose,” Atticus says her name slowly.
“Right. Rose.” I clear my throat.
“Then it’s settled.” Lachlan drains his wine, then empties the remaining drops from the bottle into our glasses.
“I think we need more wine.” Atticus glances down at his half-full glass and then locks eyes with me.
“I’ll get another bottle. Least I can do for your birthday. Besides getting you a dating coach.” Lachlan sings the last two words and practically skips away to the bar.
“Lachlan in love is annoying as shit,” Atticus grumbles. “As if he has any idea how to be in a relationship.”
“It’s really not that hard,” I say. Atticus chuckles and the sound rolls over me pleasantly.
“For you, maybe.”
